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Top Open Mic Comedy Shows In Philadelphia

May 5, 2016 6:00 AM

Philadelphia may not be NYC in terms of comedy clubs, but that doesn’t mean the city doesn’t have its fair share of comedy. Many bars throughout the city host a comedy open mic for both beginner and seasoned professionals alike. Perfect for honing your comedic skills and trying out a new joke, head to one of the places listed below for comedy open mic nights in Philadelphia.

Comedy’s Not Dead At The Tusk
Woolly Mammoth
430 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 923-8780www.facebook.com

The Tusk is a live music stage above the Woolly Mammoth on 5th and South Street that also hosts other events throughout the week, including comedy shows. The Comedy’s Not Dead open mic happens every Wednesday night starting at 8 p.m. (sign ups begin at 7:30 p.m.) and is open to anyone looking for a laugh. This open mic brings out a good crowd of people seeking local talent. The Woolly Mammoth offers food and drink specials during the night and no cover to get in. Free parking is found on South Street.

Helium Comedy Club is a popular spot on Sansom for laughs. The club gets many national acts weekly and hosts its open mic night every Tuesday night starting at 8 p.m. The open mic night is open to both seasoned professionals and those just starting out. To sign up, you can fill out a form on the website to be selected through a lottery system, and you will be notified through e-mail if or if not you are able to perform. However, if you don’t make the initial list, you can sign up the day of the show from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., and the official list of 20-30 performers will be posted at 7:30 p.m.

Fergie’s Pub is an Irish pub that hosts many events throughout the week, including quizzo, poetry nights, live music and open mics. The comedy open mic and showcase, presented by Honorable Mention, is every Sunday night. This free 21 and over event opens at 8 p.m. with sign ups, and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Musical guests also perform. Specials include $3 Narragansett and $6 Yuengling and Tullamore Dew.

Every Monday night, Laughs on Philly hosts an open mic night at Ortlieb’s in Northern Liberties. This free event is open to all levels of stand-up comedians looking to hone their skills with a friendly crowd and three minutes of original material. The open mic starts at 8 p.m., with sign-ups at 7:30 p.m. Ortlieb’s has drink specials for the night that non-performers and performers alike will enjoy.

Sketch Up Or Shut Up
The Adrienne Theatre
2030 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 567-2848www.phitcomedy.com

Philadelphia Improv Theater (PHIT) hosts the only sketch comedy open mic in the city. Sketch Up or Shut Up is a free event happening every third Friday/early Saturday of the month from 11:55 p.m. to 1 a.m. The sign up list, posted 20 to 30 minutes before the show, is on a first come, first serve basis and is open to all writers and actors alike looking for feedback on new material. Writers will be able to find actors to help perform their sketches in front of the live audience if needed. Sketches are requested to be five minutes or under.